No to ISA

On the record, TH Koay and myself were the organiser for the "No to ISA" press conference held on Sunday 10.30am at the junction of Campbell Street and Penang Road.

Koay was invited to the Police Station on Saturday night. I accompanied him to meet up with the ACP of Special Branch.

There were heavy presence of police - about 20 uniformed and another 20 plain clothes policemen.

The one-man demonstration rally continued from 10.30am to 5pm. At least 30,000 Penangites have passed by that road at that time and they would have noticed our messages.

The crackdown - Sunday night at the Police Station

The photos taken at Balai Polis Bukit Mertajam and Jawi.

I was standing next to YB Chong Eng and surrounded by PAS supporters. The small DAP group (6 of us including Koid Teng Guan, Tan Kang Chung, Michael Tan and Guna) were allowed to enter the compound of the police station.

After obtaining the necessary information, we brief the PAS members and media on what transpired. Mat Sabu was arrested and was sent immediately to Kuala Lumpur. 10 PAS members were arrested under section 186 Penal Code - obstruction the police from carrying out their duties while arresting Mat Sabu.

Mat Sabu is the National Vice President of PAS. I met him at the Bersih Ceramah two months ago in Penang. I delivered a speech on electoral reform then.

I met the 10 PAS members who were detained at the lockup.

We left after the PAS lawyer arrived from Ipoh.

Land reclaimation activities at Tanjong Bungah Beaches (Part II)

丹絨武雅海灘留石沙 填海停工應善後

As reported in Sinchew Jit Poh

2007-12-02 13:36

（檳城）民主行動黨檳州宣傳秘書黃漢偉律師說，市政局在土地局發出停工令後，應該諭令有關人士作善後工作，而非讓石沙留在丹絨武雅海灘一帶。

他說，這個由市政局發出臨時地契，供興建遊艇停靠區的填海地帶，在填海已開始發展後，卻被土地局發出停工令，已影響了鄰近的海灘，有關的填海地也就變得沒用。

“較早前，我們召開新聞發佈會後，鄧章耀說檳島三地的填海計劃都是原本沒有海灘的地方，是不正確的。這裡（丹絨武雅）原本是有一個公眾可到的海灘。”

他週五（30日）在丹絨俱樂部後的海灘，召開新聞發佈會時，這麼說。陪同出席者包括檳州組織秘書鄭雨週。

他說，至於鄧章耀所謂的“沒有任何人可以擁有海灘”的說法，卻因為在市政局的條例下，通往海灘的小徑只需10尺，太狹窄了，他認為應該增至20尺，以讓車輛可以出入，才能達到目的。

Power blackout 3 nights in a week at Rifle Range Flats

Penang DAP Publicity Secretary, Wong Hon Wai called upon the Penang State Housing Department to look into the power blackout problem of Block G, Rifle Range Flats. The blackout has occured 3 nights for the past one week. Rifle Range Flats is managed by the State Housing Department.

As reported in Guang Ming Dailies

黃漢偉將要求管理層
改善打鎗埔組屋電壓


檳州行動黨宣傳秘書黃漢偉律師指出，他將致函打鎗埔組屋的管理層，改善打鎗埔組屋的電壓，以避免常常停電。

他披露，打鎗埔G座組屋的電壓已經不符合新時代需求，導致常常停電，當地居民告訴他，過去一週內就停電3次。

他指出，日前晚上他接到打鎗埔G座組屋居民有關電流中斷的投訴，就第一時間趕往現場瞭解情況，發現當地電流供應設施已經過時。

電流系統30年未更新

他說，他會致函向有關當局反映這問題，希望當局盡快撥款提昇打鎗埔組屋的電流設施。

他指出，根據瞭解，打鎗埔組屋的一些電流系統已經更新，因此沒有常常停電，但仍有一部分組屋的電流系統沒有提昇，依然是30年前的水准，已經不符合標准。

他認為，如果組屋常常停電，可能會損壞組屋各單位內的電器。

Land reclaimation activities at Tanjong Bungah Beaches

Penang DAP Publicity Secretary Wong Hon Wai together with Organising Secretary Teh Yue Chew criticised the Penang State Government for allowing the excessive land reclaimation activities along Tanjong Bungah area.

This has caused the beaches to be monopolied to the rich and resourceful and deprived Penangites in general from accessing and enjoying the public beaches.


As reported in China Press.

海岸線頻頻填士發展
沙灘或將被富人霸佔

臨海的發展越來越多，公共沙灘越來越少！

（檳城18日訊）近年來，檳島的海岸線頻頻被填士、發展，而“購屋送私人沙灘”也成了發展商的銷售配套。民主行動黨檳州宣傳秘書黃漢偉說，這恐將導致沙灘最終被少部分富人佔為己有，影響了公眾享用沙灘的權力。

民主行動黨檳州宣傳秘書黃漢偉和該黨組織秘書鄭雨週今早召開記者會指出，近年來檳島的海岸線頻頻被發展，當中包括日落洞大道沿海一帶及丹絨武雅海邊。

黃漢偉說，沒節制的發展恐導致檳島的沙灘被破壞，或被發展商買起，成為“購屋送私人沙灘”的配套。

“若這種情況持續下去，檳島原本的公共沙灘將只被部分富人擁有，影響了普羅大眾享用沙灘的權力。”

鄭雨週指出，行動黨剛接獲丹絨武雅居民協會的投訴，他們反對丹絨武雅海岸線被毫無節制地發展。

“我們所接獲的投訴是針對丹絨武雅俱樂部的一項發展。據知，那地區原屬檳島市政局，但相關發展商宣布已成功轉移擁有權，並開始了填土工程，據說將發展兩橦41樓高的豪華公寓。”

他說，丹絨武雅居民協會的會員曾針對這項土地擁有權轉移的問題，與檳州首席部長丹斯里許子根博士對話，但首長的答覆很含糊。

他說，據知因這項填土計劃，位于隔壁的檳州游泳公會也被逼填土。

“檳州游泳公會后的海灘為我國青少年組帆船選手的訓練場，發展商填土后擋住了風勢，該會不得不把訓練場向外移。”

頻密發展沙灘減少
定居大馬外國人不滿

丹絨武雅海岸線的頻密發展，令一些參與大馬第二家園計劃的外國人不滿。

鄭雨周說，丹絨武雅居民協會的一些會員為通過大馬第二家園計劃而定居檳島的外國人。

“他們向行動黨投訴，原本是丹絨武雅的大自然環境和沙灘吸引了他們，但最近的發展計劃卻如此頻密，沙灘漸漸減少。”

他說，該會會員擔心該區的高樓越來越多，破壞大自然和沙灘之余，也帶來交通問題。

鄭雨周及黃漢偉召開記者會時，丹絨武雅居協會員並沒有出席。針對此事，鄭雨周解釋說該會一直都不想涉及政治，所以才以非政府組織身分奮斗一年。

黃漢偉提醒所有發展商，在發展逾50公頃大的沿海地帶前，需向環境局呈環境評估報告。

沙灘屬公共資產
鄧章耀：無人有權擁有

“沒人有權力擁有檳島的沙灘，即使發展商要填土建造私人沙灘，也需獲得州政府及環境局的批准！”

檳州環保及旅遊發展委員會主席鄧章耀受詢時說，他對丹絨武雅俱樂部后面的發展計劃並不了解。

“我所知道的海岸發展計劃只有丹絨道光及日落洞大道的3項計劃。”

但他指出，沒有人有權力擁有檳島的沙灘，包括酒店，因為沙灘屬公共資產，即使發展商要填土建造私人沙灘，也需獲得州政府及環境局的批准。

他說，若有發展商非法填土建造私人沙灘，環境局將著手調查，他也會將問題帶上州行政議會。

Visiting Schools in Hawaii,Hiroshima and Shanghai

shanghai trip

 

Pearl Harbour - USS Arizona Memorial

During my study tour to Hawaii, I visited the USS Arizona Memorial located at Pearl Harbour.

The USS Arizona Memorial is the final resting place for many of the battleship's 1,177 crew members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. The Memorial commemorates the site where World War II began for the United States.

It is both a tomb and a memorial.

Hiroshima - The Dome

During my recent study tour to Hiroshima, I have the opportunity to visit the Dome.

It is commonly known as Atomic Bomb Dome. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was completed in 1915 and was previously known as Hiroshima Prefectual Industrial Promotion Hall.

The 6 August 1945 nuclear explosion was almost directly above the building (the hypocenter was 150 meters / 490 feet away), and it was the closest structure to withstand the explosion. The building has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing, and now serves as the reminder of nuclear devastation and as a symbol of hope for world peace and elimination of all nuclear weapons.

I am in East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii

Will be going to Hiroshima, Japan over the weekend.

The well of charity never dries up

There was a huge crowd at the junction of Bishop Street-Beach Street, Penang this morning.



It was NOT an assembly to protest against PGCC.

A few store owners and money changers at the Bishop Street were giving "duit raya" (donation) to the infirmed and the poor.

Abandoned building at Rifle Range Flats.

I made a proposal to the State
Government to develop
an abandoned 4-storey building located next to the H block at Rifle Range Flats, Penang.

The building has been abandoned for more than 35 years.

（檳城訊）林先生一家居住在這個地方已經超過30年。從他的父母開始，然後是他和其他2位手足在這裡度過童年、青少年歲月。而今，他已結婚生子，他的第三代也將在這裡成長。這原本只是一個平凡的故事。然而，故事背景卻很奇特：住了林家三代人的老家，其實是一棟沒有門牌、最近才獲得電供的廢墟。

這座位於打鎗埔的廢墟，被在該區住了20多年的行動黨宣傳秘書黃漢偉形容為“打鎗埔人盡皆知”的地方。林先生：建公寓工程喊停“幫地主看管”林先生說，廢墟的地主在1970年代原本想在土地上建築公寓，可是當年工程雖然已進行，卻沒有得到準證，在準證最後仍未批準的情況下，工程被迫喊停。偌大的工地地盤和已經建成一半的建築，瞬間被遺棄；這一遺棄，就是30幾年。林先生表示，“這裡的地主是我們家的鄉里，當年工程喊停後，是他讓我父母搬到這裡來，說是要幫他們看管這個地方。”

行動黨週五（10月5日）是在該處召開新聞發佈會，才讓記者發現了林家一家人的故事。議列打鎗埔發展計劃行動黨在新聞發佈會中建議市政局，向有關業主購買並徵用土地，將此廢墟列入最近頻頻被提出的打鎗埔綜合發展計劃中，成為一個發展配套。

他建議市政局，引用1976年地方政府法令80至83“非法妨害環境衛生”條文下，向推事庭申請庭令，拆除此廢墟；此外，土地局和州政府也可引用1960年土地徵用法令，在人道立場上賠償住在該處的人家和業主，然後發展此地充作公共用途。黃漢偉說，這個廢墟對地方上的環境衛生或多或少會造成妨礙，因此，與其任由它廢置，倒不如改建成為綜合用途發展，建立康樂、休閒、教育或醫藥中心，造福打鎗埔民眾。

Felling trees at Rifle Range Flats

I received complaints by the residents of Rifle Range Flats and called a press conference at Rifle Range Flats on 2-10-07.

The issue was on the tree felling directed by the State Assemblyman of Kebun Bungah. It was reported the State Assemblyman has directed his agent to chop off more than 50 trees at a slope at Rifle Range Flats.

I cited Section 32H of the Town and Country Planning Act which prohibits any action to fell a tree of more than 0.8m in girth (circumference) without the permission of the local council.

Obviously, the State Assemblyman did not apply for such permission.
There are more than 10 trees which meet the 0.8meter which was chopped off.

Maximum fine for such offence is RM100,000.00 or three months jail sentence or both.

I call on the State Assemblyman to re-plant double the number of the trees.

打枪埔山林树木被砍光　火箭促柯为雄双倍栽还
二零零七年十月二日 晚上十一时三十分

（槟城2日讯）破坏林木的行为不容姑息！行动党促请植物园区州议员柯为雄亡羊补牢，栽种双倍的树木来拯救整片被砍伐的打枪埔山林。

在打枪埔太极十八式组织会员们的投诉下，槟州行动党宣传秘书黄汉伟律师及升旗山联委会主席郑雨周于周二下午带领传媒巡视有关山坡林木后，如此表示。

黄汉伟指出，在2001年乡区及城市规划法令第35H条文下，凡树干圆周长达0.8米（约31.5英寸）或以上的树木，不管是政府或私人产业，除非获得市政局的批准，否则不得自行砍伐。任何人或任何单位如要砍树，一律必须先向市政局申请，并由市政局派人侦察，砍树理由充足，才会给予批准。除非有关树木是在极度紧急危险民众安全或枯萎的情况之下则另作别论。

黄律师说，根据条令，树干圆周的计算，是从地面上的0.5米高度算起。任何人士触犯上述法令，最高罚款不超过10万令吉，或监禁3个月，或两者兼施。

他续说，一眼望去，符合上述条令保护的树木起码都有整10棵。他对于当地人民代议士的决定感到遗憾，并认为他曾经担任几届槟岛市议员，更应该非常清楚有关条令及环保的重要性。

郑雨周遗憾　为小撮人损民众利益
行动党升旗山区主席郑雨周遗憾的表示，原本山坡上的青葱树林带给附近运动的男女老少遮荫和清新的空气。如今为了一小撮人士的利益，把树木都砍掉了，置打枪埔民众利益不顾，也造成水土流失的潜在危机。
有鉴于此，行动党促请环保局关注打枪铺山坡林木被乱砍乱伐的事件，也促请柯为雄州议员亡羊补牢，在一片光秃秃的山坡上栽种双倍的林木来弥补其过失。

PGCC - putting the cart in front of the horse.

A DAP press conference was held near Penang Turf Club. The issue was the development of Penang Global City Center (PGCC).

We demand for transparency as Penangites are in the dark about this project. It was reported there will be 36 blocks of high rise building to be built at the Penang Turf Club in the next couple of years.

I said the developer has not obtained the planning permission and yet the Prime Minister has jumped the gun by announcing the PGCC. This is an action of putting the cart in front of the horse.

YB Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Tanjong) also released a press statement on PGCC.


未批准就推介
黃漢偉：本末倒置

黃漢偉說，這項計劃在未獲批准前就舉行推介是本末倒置的作法，州政府及中央政府應該更透明化地向人民交代這項計劃。 （星洲日報/大北馬•2007.09.28）


曹觀友：決策有利益衝突
檳市局應重新檢討
updated:2007-09-29 14:18:04 MYT

行動黨檳州主席曹觀友認為，檳島市政局在尚未批准檳城環球城中城的發展計劃之前，卻要求發展商負責承建打槍埔中廉價組屋及重建城市，是有利益衝突的決定。

他說，提供廉價的房屋計劃是每個發展商在興建150個單位後所需負起的社會責任，他詢問為何市政局要把“自己的地”交給怡觀資本（檳城環球城中城發展商）興建綜合商業、住宅及停車場？

“自己綁自己的手腳”

“市政局此舉就有如‘自己綁自己的手腳’，是不恰當的。市政局應該重新檢討這個決定。

“我們理解市政局會在一些發展計劃中要求發展商先建好基設或道路，但是就這個情況，萬一市政局不批准檳城環球城中城的計劃，那應該怎辦？”

因此，他要求市政局重新檢討這個決定，而行動黨已委任律師黃漢偉，監督檳城環球城中城的工程進展。

他週五（28日）在峇都眼冬馬場前，召開新聞發布會時這麼說。

陪同出席者包括州組織秘書鄭雨周、秘書長政治秘書黃偉益、州宣傳秘書黃漢偉、丹絨區國會議員選區秘書劉敬億及武吉敏登區國會議員秘書胡佑強。

政府決策應更透明

曹觀友說，行動黨在去年開始就關注檳城賽馬場發展計劃的進展，但是卻遲遲沒有取得任何的訊息，過後就“突然”由首相公布。

“我們（包括檳城環球城中城運動組織）向所有的議員作出訴求，要他們加入，一起籲請政府在這方面具備更大的透明度，讓公眾參與整個決策的過程。”

他也對檳城人在這件事上沒有獲取完整資料感到不滿，因為受影響的不只是鄰近的居民，而是整個檳島的人民，每個人都有知道的權力。

“我們希望首長指示檳島市政局，針對檳城環球城中城計劃主辦公共論壇，而不是一如市局主席拿督再納拉欣所說的市局不會這麼做。”

主流媒體封鎖反對意見

曹觀友也對主流媒體在處理檳城環球城中城計劃的報道，有完全封鎖反對意見的情況感嘆。

他說，許多新聞並沒有在主流媒體報道出來，就如許多人根本不知道會建37棟大樓。

他說，他理解檳城環球城中城是許多主流媒體的主要廣告客戶，但是另一方的聲音被封鎖，就讓人感嘆。

“昨天的聽證會，成功讓（拿督）林樹傑（怡觀資本執行主席）談了很多。現在，我們至少收到更多的訊息。”

High Population Density at Rifle Range, Penang

A DAP press conference was held at the Rifle Range Flats. A developer has announced unilaterally that they are going to build 1334 unit of low cost housing at Rifle Range. It came as total suprise as a week ago the State Assemblyman for Kebun Bungah has announced a different version.

I said housing policy is a public policy. The Government should take the lead in formulating housing policy. It seems that the City Council has not decided on the award for tender and the developer has jumped the gun. It is procedurally wrong.

Currently, there are 3456 unit of low cost housing at Rifle Range Flats. An additional of 1334 will further aggravated the density issue such as traffic flow, rubbish disposal etc which has haunted Rifle Range for the past 3 decades.

I call on the MPPP to review its decision.

黃漢偉：沒履行諾言
停車場計劃拖12年

行動黨抨擊計劃一變再變，左起為鄭雨週、謝是發、黃漢偉、劉敬億、黃偉益及莊欽吉。

行動黨檳州宣傳秘書黃漢偉律師指出，從1995年至今已12年，停車場方案還沒有確定下來。

他說，在1995年大選前，當時首次出戰升旗山國會選區的謝寬泰與亞依淡州選區的黎兆榮，已承諾在任期內解決停車場問題，他們在99年原地守土，都沒有履行諾言。

他指出，在圖測沒有獲批准前單方面宣佈是違反公共政策，因為房屋與停車場都是屬于公共政策，是由政府主導，非財團控制。

他說，打槍埔9幢組屋，每幢16層，每層24個單位，共有3456個單位；而私人發展商建議建1334個單位，已是人口過于密集，市政局應該謹慎考慮是否批准。

他指出，有兩三個發展商競投這項計劃，這種公共政策是需要政府主導，如今私人發展商公佈這項計劃，證明政府的失敗。

出席這項記者會者包括該黨植物園支部主席謝是發、丹絨社青團團長劉敬億、甘榜哥南支部委員莊欽吉。

行動黨秘書長政治秘書黃偉益指出，為何檳城環球城中城的發展商怡觀資本可以符合檳島市政局條件，在該處建1334個中廉價組屋單位及500個停車場給予當地居民；這與柯為雄在這星期二于報上發表的文告有很大的改變。

他指出，政府在1995年就提出這項計劃，從原本的1600個停車位不斷減少，2004年4月公佈有1000個、今年指有600個，而最新的是只有500個停車位。

黃偉益提10疑問

“這項原本只是多層停車場的計劃，過后卻要建兩座共200至250個中廉價組屋單位，如今怡觀資本更宣佈建5座1334個單位。而且原本沒有小販中心，現不只有小販中心，還有資訊科技中心。”

他指出，這個地段是由市政局所擁有，但整個計劃似乎由發展商主導，為何市政局未批准前發展商已先登公佈，市政局應交代有關計劃是否已批准，以及該地段目前由誰所擁有。

黃偉益向州政府、升旗山國會議員謝寬泰與植物園區州議員柯為雄提出10個疑問：

（一）為何允許停車位一再減少？

（二）為何允許組屋單位一再增加？

（三）若多層停車場計劃不是最終的，為何當初市政局宣佈撥款1100萬令吉來發展？

（四）為何當初市政局委託理大展開這報告，現又不采納？浪費納稅人的錢。

（五）為何當初逼遷豆干屋居民，而經過一年了又不建停車場？

（六）為何兩名代議士不斷向發展商妥協，卻為何沒有捍衛人民利益？

（七）為何數天前柯為雄對該停車場作出回應時，沒有透露怡觀資本的計劃？

（八）柯為雄如何讓當地居民的3000輛車享用額外停車場？

（九）人民代議士在這項計劃不斷改變的過程中獲得多少利益？他們須向公眾交代。

（十）即然他們無法捍衛選民的利益，那要選民在來屆大選是繼續支持他們，或轉投反對票呢？

鄭雨周斥居者有其屋政策

人民未獲公平分配

行動黨升旗山國會選區聯委會主席鄭雨周抨擊國陣政府“居者有其屋”政策徹底失敗，因為許多申請政府廉價屋的人民，並未得到公平分配，甚至等待多年也無下文。

他說，該聯委會已成立一個以黃漢偉律師為主任的監督及法律咨詢小組，以監督升旗山任何類似大型發展計劃，對人民帶來的民生及法律問題做出咨詢服務。聯絡電話：黃漢偉016-4006821，鄭雨周017-4729990。

他指出，檳城環球城中城計劃肯定帶來負面影響，對富有者有利，尤其是外來的購買者，反而對檳州中下層人民沒有益處，該計劃的房屋及人口密度偏高，可預計將產生許多周邊的民生問題。

他說，州政府原本承諾將打槍埔豆干屋地段建多層停車場，現由發展商改為多用途高密度中廉價，有欺騙選民之嫌。

他說，這是先斬后奏，就如巫統丹絨區部建築物非法擴建，在事件揭發后，市政局才給予批准，因為有了先例，市政局已有行政偏差的跡象。

他認為，柯為雄有必要向打槍埔選民交代，為何不能兌現建立多層停車場及要提升打槍埔成模範花園組屋的大選承諾。

行动党：吁首相正视司法弊端

For English version, please refer to my statement on restoring the 3Is to the Judiciary.

行动党：安华录影片段揭危机　吁首相正视司法弊端
二零零七年九月二十二日 晚上十一时四十六分

（槟城22日讯）槟州民主行动党律师兵团要求首相正视司法弊端，重振人民对司法的信心！
曹观友吁全国人民　关注司法危机

行动党州委会主席曹观友国会议员指出，从历史的脉络上可以发现，执政单位时常干预司法的独立性，造成大马人民普遍对司法不存有信心，特别是在1988年以后。

“不久前又出现了前副首相拿督斯里安华公开某著名律师和司法界数一数二人物谈话，企图影响法官人选的录影内容，揭露我国"司法弊端"，使大马进入史无前例的司法危机。因此，我们呼吁全国人民尤其是首相和内阁一定要特别关注此事，不要再把国家司法典当。”

曹观友是于周六早带领火箭旗下的律师兵团，包括副主席丹那律师、宣传秘书黄汉伟律师和社青团团长杨顺兴律师在总部举行记者会，吁请首相及内阁对我国司法弊端予以高度的关注。
对“录影片段”提3建议

会上，火箭律师兵团针对“录影片段”一事提出3个建议，包括（1）立刻召开紧急国会会议、（2）成立皇家调查委员会及（3）成立独立委员会，并修改宪法，将委任首席大法官的职权赋予委员会。
黄汉伟：恢复司法公信力

州宣传秘书黄汉伟律师声称，恢复大马的司法独立、公正及公信力力是目前全国上下当务之急的任务。

“司法系统为民主政治的一个大支柱，更是权力制衡的重要机制。但随着录影片段揭发了司法黑暗弊端，已经直接打击了民众对司法的信心，犹如开启了潘朵拉的盒子。”

他披露，“录影片段”一事发生72小时后，首席大法官办公室仍未作出任何反应，引起了遐想空间。
他继续指出，我国司法界长期以来面对许多问题，诸如法官延迟书写判词，导致上诉案件（特别是刑事案）无法听审及首席大法官竟建议以回教发取代英国习惯法等等。

杨顺兴及丹那：影响巨大
杨顺兴律师及丹那律师也一致认为，行政单位不能干预司法单位，否则权力的制衡就会失灵，对国家的发展将带来巨大的影响。

杨顺兴说，根据联邦宪法122AB及122B条文，我国首席大法官经首相建议后，由国家元首委任。
他说，这条文必须修改，因为它欠缺了监督的机制，遴选首席大法官的职务必须交由一个独立的委员会执行，才能遴选出一个公正及不受政治立场干预的大法官。

Restore the 3Is - Independent, Impartiality and Integrity to the Judiciary

Press Statement by Wong Hon Wai, Penang DAP Publicity Secretary on 22-09-2007
at Penang

----------------------------------------------

The Judiciary is one of the important pillars of our democratic system. One of the important principles in Rukunegara is Kedaulatan Undang-Undang (Rule of Law).

However, the public confidence on the independence, impartiality and integrity of judiciary is at its lowest point. The video clip has opened the Pandora box.


72 hours has passed and the office of Chief Justice did not issue any rebuttal statement or denial.

There are other recent developments that have brought the judiciary into disrepute.
Firstly, the delay by judges in issuing written judgment. It has been reported that there are at least 30 cases in which the judge had not provided written grounds or delivered judgment. In criminal cases, the Court of Appeal cannot hear appeals without written judgments.

Recent revelations that a judge, who had not given written judgments were nominated for a promotion, makes one wonder whether the current close system of appointing and promoting judges is for the best interest of the justice.

Secondly, the call for replacing English common law with Islamic law by the Chief Justice.

It is high time for us to launch a full investigation by a Royal Commission including reviewing cases and judgments. An independent judicial appointments commission also ought to be established.

A competent, independent and impartial judiciary is essential in upholding constitutionalism and the rule of law in Malaysia. Public and international confidence of the judicial system and in the moral authority and integrity of the judiciary is the utmost importance in a modern democratic Malaysia.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi rejected calls for the setting up of a royal commission of inquiry to look into the video controversy. The Attorney General also commented that there is no criminal element in the video clip. These are knee-jerk reactions to sweep the matters under the carpet.

I would like to call upon the public interest bodies and concerned Malaysians in general to step up the pressure to lobby for an urgent and immediate action to stop the rot and restore the public confidence towards the judiciary.

To the layman, justice must not merely be done, but must also be seen to be done.

New Generation Seminar Participant Profiles

My profile - for participation in New Generation Seminar 14 Oct to 28 Oct (Hawaii-Hiroshima-Shanghai).

I am scheduled to deliver a 15 minutes presentation on the mother tongue education in Malaysia.

Wong Hon Wai presently serves as publicity secretary for the Penang Democratic Action Party (DAP) in Penang. He is an advocate and solicitor, High Court of Malaya and has declared his intention to run for public office in the upcoming national elections to be held at the end of 2007 or early 2008. Mr. Wong has been an active member of the DAP, organizing and speaking at political and educational forums. One forum was to commemorate International Mother Tongues Day, raising public awareness of the issues of multicultural and mother tongue education in Malaysia, where ethnic groups have contended unfair treatment and funding of education in their native languages. Mr. Wong holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Kebangsaan in Malaysia and completed his bachelor of jurisprudence at the University of Malaya in Malaysia.


The other participants

The 17th New Generation Seminar Participant Biographies:

The 17th NGS participants come from a myriad of countries and backgrounds.

Kessara Amornvuthivorn, Manager, Innovative Learning for Youth, Human Capacity Development Division, Kenan Institute Asia, Bangkok, Thailand

Drupti Chauhan, Senior Attorney and Legislative Analyst, Research Division, North Carolina General Assembly, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Chad Christensen, Assemblyman, Nevada State Assembly, Carson City, Nevada, United States

Song-chang Hong, Policy Advisor to Rep. Lee Ju-ho, National Assembly, Seoul, Korea

Rizwan Ullah Khan, Manager Operations (Planning and Implementation), Balochistan Education Foundation, Balochistan, Pakistan

Moana Lynore Mackey, Member of Parliament, New Zealand Labour Party, Wellington, New Zealand

Ismael Veloso Mastura, Vice President for Finance and School Administrator, Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy Foundation College, Sultan Kudarat, Shariff Kabunsuan, Mindanao, Philippines

Lori McClung, Principal, Advocacy and Communications Solutions, LLP, Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Kalolaine Fifita Tafa Moeaki, A/Principal Education Officer (Policy and Planning), Ministry of Education, Nuku’alofa, Tonga

Quynh Thi Truc Phan, Programme Officer for Education, The Atlantic Philanthropies, Hanoi, Vietnam

Ranvir Prasad, District Collector, Thiruvallur, Government of Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, India

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Council President, Baltimore City Council, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Kinley Rinchen, Planning Officer, The Royal University of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan

Fajar Riza Ul Haq, Program Director of Religious Education Reform, MAARIF Institute for Culture and Humanity, Jakarta, Indonesia

Hon Wai Wong, Publicity Secretary, Penang DAP (Democratic Action Party), Penang, Malaysia

Kejin Zhao, Assistant Professor, Center for American Studies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Save Penang Hill, Save Our Water

郑雨周、民主行动党州宣传秘书黄汉伟、黄伟益 ,升旗山联委会委员颜连江，及甘榜哥南区支部委员庄钦吉高举横幅，呼吁州政府关注升旗山蓄水区及非法砍伐树木等事件。

I am standing second from the left.
The DAP is launching a campaing to save Penang Hill.

Full text is available here.

Automatic Voters Registration

Bersih (Coalition for Free and Fair Elections) organised a ceramah on Friday night, 07-09-2007 at Jublee Hall, Bayan Baru, Penang. It was part of the nationwide programme to hold ceramah at various states.

I was one of the invited speakers representing the DAP. The other speakers were BK Ong (NGO), Zulkifli (DAP - National Vice Chairman), Dato Zarin (Keadilan Penang Chairman), Tuan Haji Mohd Sabu (PAS - National Vice Chairman).

I touched on the point on the automatic voters registration. The current voluntary voters registration has failed. For Tanjong Parliamentary seat, 20% of the voters are those in the age group of 21 to 40 years old. The other 80% are those more than 40 years old.

There are 4.9 million Malaysians who are over 21 years old but still have not registered as voters.

The Election Commission should abandon the voluntary registration system and share the same computer database with the National Registration Department.

On a related event, the Federal Reserve Unit fired live bullets to disperse a Bersih ceramah in Terengganu, last night. For further details, please check out Malaysiakini and Merdeka Review

English Commmon Law vs Islamic Law

I was at the Boon Siew Flats Block G, Tanjung Bungah half an hour ago attending the Hungry Ghost Festival organised by the local residents.

My speech was on the English Common Law vs Islamic Law. I told
the 50 tables of audience about the suggestion of the Chief Justice to replace English Common Law with Islamic Law. I further informed the audience about the opinion poll conducted by the Bar Council.

I reiterated that we cannot compromise on this particular issue and will have to make our stance clear to defend against the hidden agenda of certain quarters to make an unilateral declaration of the Islamic State.

I also touched on the issue of the 10 million spent on NCER launch which I have spoken at the dinner at Choo Plaza. It is my hope that there will be generous allocation for the development of mother tongue education on the Budget day scheduled on Friday.

The other invited speaker was the representative of Chief Minister.

After my speech, the chairman handed me another invitation card, next Saturday, at Pepper Estate (Kebun Bungah).

10 million spent on NCER launch

I was at the Choo Plaza tonight attending the dinner for the Hungry Ghost Festival organised by residents of Beach Street.

I was representing YB Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Tanjong). As usual, I delivered a speech. My main point was on the RM10 million spent on the launching ceremony of Northen Corridor Economic Region (NCER) on 31-7-2007.

The Prime Minister in a written reply to Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) said that the launching of the NCER cost the government RM10.997 million.

I said if the 10% of the money spent on one-morning event could be allocate to the chinese schools in Penang, then we will have 1 million. It will be more than enough to support the relocation and building of a few chinese primary schools in Penang.

Every year, the chinese community in Penang organise more than 100 dinners to mark the hungry ghost festival and the donation will go to support relocation/refurbishment of a chinese primary school. This year, the donation will go to Chung Teik Primary School in Balik Pulau.
Information from Guan Ming today, the donation raise to date is RM170,000.

I will be attending 4 more dinners next week. Stay tuned.

Education Challenges in the 21st Century

I have been invited as conference participant of New Generation Seminar. I will be travelling to East-West Center (Honolulu), Hiroshima University (Japan) and People's University of China (PRC) in mid October for two weeks.

I will be the sole participant from Malaysia this year. There will be about 15 participants to this conference. They are the young leaders from Asia Pacific countries including university administrators and legislative members.

Malaysian participants for NGS of the previous years includes Dato Hishamuddin, Fong Po Kuan, Tan Cheng Liang, Mohd Ezam, Teresa Kok etc.

I have just completed visa application for three countries. I will work on a slide presentation/write-up on the reform on higher education in Malaysia.

Jeff, thanks for the kind words

Hi Jeffrey (Chew),

Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.

Yes. I am offering myself as a candidate in the coming General Election.

My journey will not stop after the election. It is a life-long journey and it will be beyond my lifetime as I have three kids who can follow my footsteps.

Cheers!

Yours sincerely,
Hon Wai

婦女申請脫離回教案

I was at the Syariah High Court, Batu Gantung this morning to observe and assist the applicant. As reported in The Star: A Muslim convert who wants to renounce Islam after her Iranian husband left her will be referred to the State Islamic Religious Affairs Department for counselling. Syariah High Court judge Othman Ibrahim instructed Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah, 38, to undergo counselling at the Department's Unit Ukhwah (a unit on brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam) before the court decides on her application. As reported in GuanMing Daily 婦女申請脫離回教案 展至12月3下判

■（左起）章瑛, 曹觀友及 黃漢偉- 關心陳燕芳案件的判決，一早到便法庭等候。

（檳城訊）一名華裔婦女申請脫離回教案，原定於週五（10日）早下判，但因回教高庭法官諭令將她交由檳州宗教理事會進行輔導，因此展延3個月後，即12月3日才宣佈判決。

申請人陳燕芳（皈依回教後改名茜蒂法蒂瑪陳）是在2006年5月入稟回教法庭，申請脫離回教及把身分證上的“回教”字眼改為“佛教”。

法庭下令輔導

回教高庭法官奧士曼發出諭令時，宣佈延後判決，並指示法庭主簿官致函檳州宗教理事會屬下負責輔導的小組，以便替陳燕芳進行有關宗教事務的輔導，並在3個月後呈上報告，法庭再做定奪。

陳燕芳在庭內聞訊後，對法官的諭令不甚瞭解，在場旁聽的民主行動黨律師黃漢偉較後以華語向她解釋諭令後，她一臉苦惱。

其代表律師阿末查拉尼也前來安慰她說，法庭只是下令檳州宗教理事會為她提供有關宗教方面的輔導，她不必為此擔心，並可自由選擇是否應召。

可選擇是否接受

關心此案的檳州行動黨聯委會主席曹觀友、署理主席章瑛和夫婿、高淵聖淘沙支部宣傳秘書鄭復榮也一早到法庭聆聽判決。

阿末查拉尼在庭外受詢時指出，這已是法庭第三次展延判決，法官發出的這項諭令並非依據一般的程序，相信是要為了滿足各方的要求。

“法官並未詳細說明檳州宗教理事會必須提供何種形式的輔導、協助或調查，只要求當局在3個月後提呈報告。所以我的當事人（陳燕芳）有自由選擇是否去接受輔導。”

通過《2004年檳城回教行政法》脫教

陳燕芳是通過《2004年檳城回教行政法》申請脫離回教。檳州立法議會是於2004年通過，2006年採用這項行政法，賦予回教法庭審理申請脫離回教的案件司法權。

為了和一名伊朗籍的回教徒結婚，陳燕芳在1998年選擇歸依回教。但這名男子較後卻離開她，至今沒有任何消息。

她希望檳州回教宗教理事會可以在檳城回教行政法第61（3）條文下，宣判她不再是回教徒。

辯方檳州宗教理事會代表律師為阿末納圭威。 （光明日報•2007.08.10）

My commentary on the Child Act and its lacuna is published in Kwong Wah Yit Poh on 3-8-2007. There was a persuasive precedent - the murder of James Bulger in England back in the 90s. Both the accused were 10 years old at the time of arrest. They were back to the society at the age of 18 years old.

The judgment of House of Lords is available here.


The good reference book on Malaysian Child Act is Akta Kanak-Kanak 2001 - Siri Undang-undang Mimi Kamariah published by University of Malaya.

儿童法令与立法漏洞

二零零七年八月三日 下午十二时十七分

作者：黄汉伟

马来西亚的法律与英国法律有很深的渊源。英国及其他共和联邦案例是我国法庭有重要的参考价值。

1993年2月12日，两位皆十岁的英国儿童罗汤申及尊文尼在利物浦一间超级市场拐走了只有两岁的占姆并事后杀害了后者。两人被英国法庭裁决谋杀罪名成立。根据当时的英国法律，交由内政部长向英女皇建议决定监禁期限。在此案中，两位儿童被告被下令监禁十五年。

两位儿童被告就内政部长的决定向英国最高法院及欧州人权法庭提出上诉。最终判决是由于内政部长是行政体系的一部份，这违反司法及行政独立的基本原则。法庭判决应由法庭来决定监禁期限。

两位儿童被告于2001年6月被释放，重返社会。被释放时，两人皆为十八岁。

日前，马来西亚上诉庭三司下令释放一位儿童谋杀罪犯。该儿童于十三岁时犯下谋杀罪并在2003年被高庭谕令扣留在监狱等侯最高元首发落。上诉庭三司的判决与英国上述案例有异曲同工之效。

由于总检察署在此案已上诉至联邦法院，那有关此案判决之评论在此打住。

2001年儿童法令是在2001年3月1日宪报上生效。根据国会纪录，上述法案已在1999年10月在下议院提呈，但由于政府解散国会及举行大选，上述法案在2000年10月再次提呈国会并获得上下议院在没有修改下通过。

最关键的问题是为何在当届国会没有国会议员提出该法案之缺陷。加巴星律师（此案之辩护律师）由于在日落洞国会议席以微差票数败北而无缘进入国会参与此法案之辩论。

最主要的原因是政府一般作风在短时间内在国会提呈法案，国会议员们在缺乏支援及研究助理的协助，无法对法案做出有意义及深层次之辩论。

当今国会由219位下议员及70位上议员组成，但国会只聘请10位研究员。国会有必要拨款配给每位国会议员至少一位研究助理，以对法案有更全面的研究。

任何重大法案有必要成立特别委员会以向学者及其他学有专长者收集意见及参考国内外其他法案及判决。

我们的国会如一味生产哗众取宠类似月漏言论或有国会范围内宰杀动物，那只显示出我们国家的文化水平有限。

立法议员们的正业是对国家政策提出看法及参与法案的辩论。政府须拨出资源以免上述立法漏洞或缺陷重演。

作者：黄汉伟

身份证：从八到十二之演变

My article on the new identity card as published in local Chinese newspaper - Kwong Wah Yit Poh on 29-07-2007.

The main point is on the Lina Joy case. I have handled a case in which the complainant reluctant to change to new identity card as she doesn't want the column religion to be displayed in her IC.

Official data from the Ministry, there are about 282,000 Malaysians who have not change to the new identity card.

身份证：从八到十二之演变
2007-7-29 12:37:10

作者：黄汉伟

身份证是马来亚紧急时代之产物。在英国及美国并没有身份证这回事，一般采纳驾驶执照或社会保险号码。

旧身份证只有八个号码。政府在九十年代推介新身份证－大马卡一律为十二个号码。这是一项巨大的社会工程。任何巨大的社会工程一般上面对过渡期的调和之冲突。新身份证亦不例外。

在一宗型事案例，辩方律师提出陈词，新身份证组合之前六个号码与出生日期毫无关连。辩方律师之论点是建立于当时并没有任何法律条文做出上 述规定。法庭认同上述说法。后来，政府修改国民登记条例立法列明大马卡之前六号号码为出生日期。那是2001年之事，由于此法律漏洞已被填补，往后的案 件，律师们都无法再用上述论点。

除了号码有所不同，新身份证多显示出个新资料即宗教。这只限在回教徒之身份证。所有信奉回教教之公民，其新身份证皆会显示宗教：回教这一资料。

由于丽娜乔此一案例，有一些欲改教但面对阻力之公民仍旧持有旧身份证。除非国民登记局修改有关显示宗教资料事项，我有理由相信拒绝更换身份证者大有人在。

日前，选举委员会宣布凡仍然使用旧身份证，未更换新身份证的合格选民，将从选民册被删除，丧失投票资格。此宣布意味着类似丽娜乔个案者而拒绝更换新身份证之公民将会丧失投票权。

后来，内阁做出了指示，选举委员会收回上述宣布。我们姑且不谈论选举委员会独立性一事。

更重要的是，马来西亚作为一个民主国家、任何政策之实行不只考虑多数人之利益，须同时顾及少数人之权益。

身份证更换不只是表面性的更换。它涉及国家、宗教、种族及个人之认同。这非一般科技可解决，其需政治智慧以宏观角度来看待。

看来新旧身份证之交替需要一个世代才能调和其所引起之冲突。

作者：黄汉伟

My call day

My call day is on 20-07-2007. I am now an Advocate and Solicitor, High Court of Malaya.

DAP leaders namely YB Chow Kon Yeow, YB Chong Eng, Mr Tana and other comrades came to Penang High Court to join me for the occasion.

My master, Mr Darshan Singh, his wife and his staff also there to support my application for admission.

Also, my extended family came in 3 cars to join the celebration. Thank you for their usual support.

Cameron Highlands

My family spent a fantastic weekend at Cameron Highlands. The best scene at Cameron is of course the Boh Tea Garden and its tea centre.

社青團置中文路牌

On 23 June 2007, DAP Youth has started an initiative to put up road sign in chinese language at the area of Georgetown, Penang. It is part of the initiative to promote tourim and also for educational and heritage preservation purpose. However, MPPP took down the road sign on the same day.

MPPP should take note that road sign in dual languages (Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese language) is common practice in the city center of Kuching and Sibu, Sarawak.


（檳城27日訊）檳州民主行動黨社青團自製中文路牌，置放于喬治市10條街道一事，獲得華裔選民支持，甚至有一名威省支持者表示，將在金錢上支持該黨自製中文路牌。

不單如此，根據社青團黨員表示，他們都各別接到選民的支持，包括來電支持他們這項舉動。社青團已計劃不久后，採取第2波溫和及高調的行動。

全國社青團組織秘書郭庭愷說，社青團還會有一系列行動來表示關心檳州旅遊業，目前只是一個開始。

“該團將展開民意調查，讓人民提出意見，並就此做出下一步行動。”

他強調，該黨自製中文路牌一事，並不是煽動種族情緒，而是在強化檳州特色，就如全國各地都有不同特色置放其他語文路牌，以顯示大馬的多元化，同時響應首相是個有史以來最開明的政府。

“居林路牌中設有爪夷文、砂拉越古晉及詩巫路牌中也有中文字。古晉在當地被稱為小福州，加上中文路牌 ，更能凸顯出東馬的一個城鎮特色，所以各州應因地而設語文路牌。”

他也說，社青團不反對路牌中有多種語文，也不介意語文的排法，最重要的是強化檳州特色。

郭庭愷今早在該黨總部召開的新聞發布會上，這麼說。

他說，社青團是接受市局也設中文歷史講解牌，不過這與中文路牌是帶有不同的功效，最重要的是對旅遊業有帶來成效。

出席者包括有社青團法律局成員黃漢偉、社青團全國財政陳翰威、大山腳社青團副團長陳楷棕、社青團團員蘇文發、該黨檳州組織秘書鄭雨週、日落洞區部秘書郭庭源。

促澄清觸犯哪一條例

檳州社青團法律局成員黃漢偉表示，社青團將會致函給州及市局法律顧問，要求澄清究竟自製中文路牌，置放路邊是觸犯了市局的哪一條例。

他說，法律的基本精神是不應在沒有經過法律的程序下被定罪。所以國陣政治人物不應透過媒體來審判社青團。

“況且，市局至今還未援引任何法律條文來指控社青團。”

他也說，針對自製中文路牌一事，社青團已經知會州聯委會及母會。

詢及會否通過正式程序，向有關當局要求設置中文路牌一事，他說，社青團還在研究中。

他說，社青團置放中文路牌是活動性的置放並非以釘子，或強力膠來硬釘牢在現在路牌，而是以繩子活動性的置放在現有路牌下。

他說，中文路牌及解說牌，亦可為檳城地方及民俗研究開拓新方向，讓檳城年輕人覺得有親切感，這也會為檳城申請成為世界文化遺產的努力可帶來正面的功效。

他說，在現有的機制下，市局清一色由執政黨黨要擔任市議員，甚至州立法議會中只有一名行動黨州議員，孤掌難鳴。

無論如何，他感激馬華州議員李學德支持社青團的此次行動。

●任何有意見的人士，可以通過短訊或直接聯絡下面的黨員：

郭庭愷 0164223227, thkoay@pc.jaring.my

鄭雨週 0174729990，dap.cagw.teh@gmail.com

黃漢偉0164006821, http://honwai_wong.blogspot.com,

陳瀚威0124880409

陳楷棕0124853848

多元語文凸顯特色
反駁許子根煽動論

檳州社青團今日反駁州首席部長丹斯里許子根，並強調他們是支持多元語文、思維，若其他語文也能凸顯檳州特色，他們也會據理力爭，而非如許氏所指是在煽動種族情緒。

全國社青團組織秘書郭庭愷表示，許子根已表示不會支持中文路牌，是因為擔心其他人也要求增加其他語文。

他認為許氏不該轉移人民視線，尤其許氏向英文報章說成是社青團在煽動種族情緒。

他說，設中文路牌只是其中一項強化檳州特色的活動，放眼全球沒有幾個地區城市像檳州那樣擁有強烈華裔貢獻歷史背景。

他說，置放中文路牌能擴大旅遊區，在重新定位后，能讓旅遊業有一個清晰發展方向。路牌是不會吸引遊客，最重要加上政府及旅遊局的配合，促進旅遊業。

他說，若照許子根的說法，指加個路牌不會直接增加遊客，那么吉隆坡國際機場加上各語文是不是沒用？而近期設立的英文路牌是不是為了做而做？許氏是在自圓其說。

郭庭愷也呼籲許子根及檳州旅遊發展委員會主席鄧章耀，針對中國大使程永華的數據，讓檳州子民瞭解去年的44萬中國遊客來馬旅遊，檳州受益多少？來檳人數佔多少？

他說，即使中國遊客只佔5.5%也不是不置放中文路牌的理由，生意是看市場，而不看現有客戶。

Tax refund

I have sent a letter to the CEO of the Inland Revenue Board to enquire about the tax refund.
I received a standard reply. IRB undertook to pay the tax refund within a month for those filing tax return electronically. IRB has breached their undertaking.

-------------
Tuan,

Terima kasih atas emel yang diberikan.

2. Untuk makluman tuan LHDNM kini sememangnya sedang memberi keutamaan untuk menyelesaikan kes-kes bayaran balik dalam tempoh yang ditetapkan dalam Piagam Pelanggan dan sememangnya menjadi hasrat LHDNM untuk membuat bayaran balik tanpa pembayar cukai perlu membuat permohonan, mulai tahun ini. Saya harap agar tuan memahami dan menghargai usaha LHDNM untuk memberikan perkhidmatan yang terbaik kepada pembayar cukai dan bersabar menunggu bayaran balik tuan.Adalah menjadi harapan LHDNM untuk menyelesaikan bayaran balik T/T 2006 dalam tahun ini juga.

3. Walau bagaimanapun, bayaran balik tuan untuk tahun taksiran 2005 akan dirujuk kepada cawangan untuk perhatian dan tindakan segera.

4. LHDNM mengalu-alukan pandangan pembayar cukai seperti tuan dan pandangan pembayar cukai sememangnya diambil kira dalam usaha LHDNM memberi penambahbaikan terhadap sistem-sistem yang sedia ada.


Sekian, terima kasih.


Hasmah Abdullah
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif / Ketua Pengarah Hasil Dalam Negeri
Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia

RM10m car park

As reported in Malaysiakini, MPPP is planning to build a RM10 million car park at Victoria Street.

I have been facing parking problem for the past few months. My daily work routine is from Bishop Street to Northen Tower. My expenses for paying car park ticket per day is about RM6.00

Instead of the car park, I will like to see the integrated and efficient public transport system that will cut down the travelling and parking expenses.

Federal Court sitting in Penang next week

Starting from 21-5 to 24-5, Federal Court will be sitting in Penang.
Location: Northern Tower, 1st or 2nd floor.

It will be an opportunity for law students and young practitioners to observe the proceedings of the apex court.

For the list of cases, check out the Cause List.

培訓12名知識青年, 檳民行生力軍迎大選

The DAP Youth potential candidate lists for General Election.
As reported in ChinaPress and all chinese newspaper.

培訓12名知識青年檳民行生力軍迎大選

（檳城11日訊）為了備戰全國大選，行動黨檳州社青團已初步圈定12名有潛質的知識青年，培訓成為黨的生力軍，全面迎戰！

這12名准候選人都是40歲以下的熱血青年，最年輕的只有25歲，最年長的也只不過37歲，12人當中，有4名是新人，其他都是曾在歷屆大選披甲上陣。

今次的年輕准候選人，都是強調有知識青年，當中不乏律師、學士、碩士和研究生，最低程度也持有高級文憑。

這12人分別是陳金輝、郭庭愷、黃繼興、楊順興、雷耶、惹迪星、黃漢偉、陳翰威、劉敬億、鄭來興、黎漢明及黃偉益。

行動黨社青團檳州團長楊順興今日指出，隨著時代的進步，人民代議士也必須要有一定的知識和實力，才能為民請命。

進行系列培訓宣傳
“我們看到檳州立法議會中，部份馬華及民政黨的州議員，因國語掌握能力不強，而頻頻鬧出不少笑話，而且，他們還搶市議員的工作來做，並非在議會中研究各項對人帶來利與弊的政策。”
他說，檳州立法議會本來就是議員研究政策、法案及計劃的地方，但部份馬華及民政議員卻不了解本身的工作，反而搶了市議員的工作來做。

楊順興今早聯同社青團丹絨區區團團長鄭來興及升旗山區區團理事劉敬億，召開新聞發佈會時，這樣表示。

他相信，社青團還會有第二輪的候選人遴選工作，然后再篩選出最適當的人選。
他指出，首批准候選人是在該黨舉行的干訓營之后決定的，社青團認為他們有潛質，而他們也有意願為黨出征。
“接下來，我們會有一系列的培訓活動和宣傳，以突出他們的形象。”

社青團將派女將上陣
行動黨檳州社青團不排除在來屆大選中，派出年輕女將上陣。
該黨不久前主辦的干訓營中，有兩名女黨員參與，並可能會在來屆大選代表黨出征迎戰。
社青團檳州團長楊順興受詢時說，由于這兩名年輕女將是來自大山腳，而且是婦女組成員，因此一切必須待行動黨婦女組主席章瑛，于本月15日從美國回來后，再作進一步的決定。
針對外界盛傳有一名新聞從業員可能在來屆大選，代表行動黨出征，他說，該黨目前還未聽到這樣的傳言，因而不便回應。

黨領袖決定候選人名單
社青團檳州團長楊順興表示，根據檳州行動黨的傳統，每屆大選中，有30%的選區，都是由年輕黨員代表黨出征。

不過，檳州社青團初步圈定的潛質年輕准候選人，是否獲准披甲上陣，最終還是交由黨領袖作決定。

“至于這些年輕的准候選人，會攻打哪一個選區，則會根據黨的迎戰策略作出安排。”
“我們會先征詢准候選人有意攻打哪一區，然后再和黨領袖討論，看他們是否適合攻打有關選區。如果黨領袖也覺得他們適合，那么他就可以開始在該選區走動。”

他說，會有多少位年輕有潛質的准候選人能夠出線，一切交由黨領袖決定。

檳州社青團的潛質青年准候選人名單
陳金輝（37歲） 現為台灣中國文化大學哲學博士班研究生
郭庭愷（34歲） 英國大學工商管理碩士
★黃繼興（25歲） 新加坡國立大學理科學士，美國大學工商管理碩士
楊順興（31歲） 馬來亞大學法律學士，執業律師
★雷耶 （36歲） 倫敦大學法律學士，執業律師
惹迪星（36歲） 英國大學法律學士，執業律師
★黃漢偉（34歲） 國民大學電腦科學系學士，馬來亞大學法律學士，見習律師
陳翰威（37歲） 特許會計師
劉敬億（27歲） 電腦高級文憑
鄭來興（27歲） 拉曼學院會計高級文憑
黎漢明（35歲） 砂拉越大學城市規劃學士
★黃偉益（30歲） 馬來亞大學文學士
注：★為新人

Income Tax and Labour Day

A few months ago, W quit her job as an assistant manager in the factory. She was having a punishing daily work schedule from 8am to 9pm then. She told me that she was not able to balance her family life and working life. She switched her career track and ventured into education sector. With that change, she draws 1/3 of her previous pay and works 1/2 of her previous working schedule.

She is not alone. I have been hearing real experiences that white collar executives have to endure long working hours in the factory. There were high ranking executives chose to retire at the young age of 45.

When I was a fresh graduate, an old-timer told me that the last place to work with is the production line in the factory.

This is the effect of globalization. Americans move their production lines to Asia as Americans don't work long hours. Americans will go home by 5pm. But, their Asian counterparts will work long hours. Ironically, some politicians seem to be very proud of the figures of Foreign Direct Investment. Borrowing the words from the late Prof Syed Hussein Alatas, it is called "captive mind". Put it in another way, it is called colonialism or imperialism

The best book which describes this phenomenon is none other than the World is Flat by Thomas L Friedman.

For all the workers out there, if you manage to beat the annual IRB deadline (April 30th) for submitting the tax form, then reward yourself by having a great Labour Day.

Starting the machinery

My friend asked me whether I will be running for office in the coming General Election.
He referred to the news report on the DAP election workshop last Sunday.

I did not present in the workshop as I have to attend an Ethics Lecture programme which was compulsory for chambering pupils. Guess what, I have to pass the written test in the Ethics Lecture before I apply to call to the Bar.

My answer to him is affirmative. In fact, I will be launching my election campaign and preparing for the ground work starting from 26-06-2007.

I will complete the chambering on 22-06-2007. On 25-06-2007, I will make a trip to the Kuala Lumpur High Court (the new building - picture on the right) to file my petition for admission.

On the next day, I will file my notice of hearing at Penang High Court.

Then, I will start my preparation for General Election. I will have a gap month before my petition is heard at Penang High Court.

I will fully utilise the whole month for political activities.

Stay tune.

Essay on Tax Law

Updated with the news report from Praxis Nov/Dec edition (Newsletter of Malaysian Bar).



I have won the second prize for this year Legal Essay Competition in National Language organised by Bar Council, Dewan Bahasa and Institut Terjemahan Negara.

The topic is "Akta Cukai Pendapatan: Siapa dapat, dia dicukai. Bincangkan." The first prize winner is an Associate Professor from UiTM. The third prize winner is also an Associate Professor from International Islamic University.

The panel of judges comprise of Yang Arif Datuk Zaharah Binti Ibrahim (High Court Judge, Shah Alam), Puan Hendon (Member of Bar Council) and representatives from DBP and ITN.

I receive a trophy, a dictionary and cash prize from Dato' Bentara Istana Dato' Nik Hashim (Federal Court Judge) who represents Chief Justice, Yang Amat Arif Tun Dato Seri Ahmad Fairuz.

The full text of the essay can be accessed at http://hwessay.blogspot.com

The excerpt is as following:
"2. Perdebatan tentang unsur kesukarelaan dan paksaan dalam percukaian

Cukai dalam konsep moden merupakan suatu sumbangan berbentuk kewangan yang dikenakan oleh negara ke atas rakyatnya untuk kebaikan masyarakat secara umumnya.

John Rawls dalam bukunya “A Theory of Justice” [i] telah menghuraikan unsur keadilan dari segi pembahagian kekayaan. Menurut beliau, sumber sosial mesti dilepaskan kepada kerajaan supaya kerajaan dapat membekalkan khidmat awam kepada masyarakat serta membolehkan kerajaan membahagikan kekayaan demi membantu mereka yang miskin atau kurang upaya. Cara mendapatkan sumber hasil yang dimaksudkan oleh John Rawls adalah melalui percukaian.

Robert Nozick [ii] pula menyangkal pendapat John Rawls. Beliau mengibaratkan percukaian dari pendapatan seperti buruh paksaan. Beliau berhujah sekiranya seseorang bekerja untuk memperolehi pendapatan dan membayar cukai berdasarkan kadar peratusan daripada pendapatan, maka kadar yang diterjemahkan kepada masa berkerja adalah kerja paksa yang dikenakan oleh negara. Nozick mempersoalkan tentang rasional pembahagian secara paksaan melalui percukaian. Sebagai alternatifnya, Nozick mengutarakan konsep derma secara sukarela untuk mencapai kesamarataan.

Saya berpendapat percukaian adalah berbeza dari segi buruh paksaan atau penghambaan. Beban kewangan serta hak yang dikongkong oleh buruh paksaan dan penghambaan adalah dalam julat yang berbeza sama sekali dengan percukaian. Tambahan pula, teori Nozick tersebut hanya akan meninggikan jurang pendapatan antara mereka yang berada dengan mereka yang kurang berada. Iaitu, orang kaya akan menjadi lebih kaya, manakala orang miskin menjadi lebih miskin.
[i] John Rawls, A Theory of Justice (Revised Edition), Harvard Universitiy Press, 1999, ms247.

[ii] Robert Nozick, Anarchy, State and Utopia, Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1974, ms169. "

Land and Property

For the past two months, I have spent considerable time reading, advising and submitting on the issues related to land and property. In fact, I enjoy what I am doing as it involves policy and legislative issues which have a huge impact to the affected parties.

The issues I covered, inter alia,:

1. Sufficiency and validity of the notice to quit of a tenancy involving pre-war premises. Rent Control Act and Rent Control (Repeal) Act are the relevant legislations. It has been 7 years since the repeal of the rent control act but there are still such cases. The issue is whether the 3 months notice to quit is mandatory or merely directory.

2. The remedy for the landowner whose land is subjected to acquisition by the Government. Relevant Legislation: Land Acquisition Act.

3. The locus standi of a company claiming maintenance fees from the proprietors of high-rise building. Relevant legislations: Strata Title Act and Valuers/Estate Agents Act.

4. When does the cause of action commence for a claim on late delivery damages of a house under the Housing Developers Act? Is it started from the actual vacant possession or the contractual date of vacant possession? The starting date is material because the houseowner has 6 years under the Limitation Act to initiate a claim from the developer.

5. National Land Code (Penang and Malacca Title) is a piece of legislation on conversion of the land title on English Deeds System to the Torrens System. There are complex issues involving dispute of land title which has to be traced back to events happening on 1930s.